WORLD CHURCH

• POSITION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE IN RELATION TO OTHER LEVELS OF ORGANIZATION (Return)
  
  Only the General Conference can restructure subordinate organiza­tions in consultation with respective unions and fields in order to further the progress of the work in the various parts of the world.
  
  In case of differences of opinion over doctrinal questions or organi­zational matters and institutions, the proper procedure is to turn to the next higher level of organization until the General Conference is reached. But when the General Conference delegates in session make a specific decision, it is binding on all subordinate organizations.
  
  During the administrative period, the General Conference Com­mittee is authorized to solve whatever problems arise. The decisions of the General Conference Committee can be reviewed by the General Con­ference delegates in session.
  
  At every level of the organization, when an officer is no longer able to fulfill his duties, or in case of death or unfaithfulness, the committee in which the officer served selects a replacement in the presence of the president of the next higher level of organization or his authorized rep­resentative. (See Vacancy in an office, p. 38.)
  
  The Spirit of Prophecy says: "Brethren, when perplexities arise in your conference,. when emergencies are to be met, do not let these dark clouds drift into the General Conference if you can possibly avoid it. The president of the General Conference should not be burdened with the affairs of the State conferences, as has been the case in the past. If you, with your associates in the work, cannot adjust the troubles and difficul­ties that arise in your conference, how do you think that one man can do this work for all the conferences? Why should you pour all your per­plexities and discouragements into the burdened mind and heart of the president of the General Conference? He cannot understand the situation as well as do you who are on the ground. If you shirk responsibility .and crosses and burdenbearing, hard thinking and earnest ! praying, and look to the president of the General Conference to do your work and help you out of your difficulties, cannot you see that you lay upon him burdens that will imperil his life? Have you not mind and ability as well as he? You should not neglect any part of the work because it calls for earnest, cross-bearing effort.
  
  "I repeat, Do not throw your burdens upon the president of the General Conference. Do not expect him to take up your dropped stitch­es and bind off your work. Resolve that you will bear your own burdens through Christ who strengthens you." -Gospel Workers, p. 415.